‘Dear Uma’ Hits Screens on April 18 – Actress, Producer & Writer Sumaya Reddy Shares Her Journey
Telugu actress Sumaya Reddy is all set to make her debut as a lead actress, writer, and producer with the upcoming film ‘Dear Uma’, which is slated for release on April 18. The film stars Pruthvi Amber in the male lead role. With Nagesh as the line producer and Nithin Reddy as the executive producer, the movie is directed by Sai Rajesh Mahadev, who also handled the screenplay and dialogues.
Raj Thota, known for his stunning visuals in several popular films, serves as the cinematographer, while Radhan, the composer behind many blockbuster hits, is the music director. As part of the film’s promotions, Sumaya Reddy opened up in an exclusive media interaction about her background, inspiration, and the making of Dear Uma.
From Modeling to Movies – Sumaya Reddy’s Background
“I’m from Anantapur and started my career in modeling. Since childhood, I’ve had a deep interest in cinema. Initially, I thought entering the film industry would be easy, but I quickly realized it’s far from simple,” said Sumaya.
The Inspiration Behind ‘Dear Uma’
“During the COVID lockdown, I had recurring dreams that felt very real and haunting. That’s what inspired the story of Dear Uma. The movie is built around those dream sequences and carries a message that everyone can relate to.”
Casting Pruthvi Amber
“We initially wanted a Telugu actor, but due to various reasons, it didn’t work out. When we narrated the story to Pruthvi Amber, he instantly agreed without hesitation, even though it was a new production house. That gave us a lot of confidence.”
Is ‘Dear Uma’ a Critique on the Medical Industry?
“Our film showcases certain realities within corporate hospitals. It highlights what happens when the mediators between doctors and patients fail in their responsibilities.”
What Can Audiences Expect from ‘Dear Uma’?
“Dear Uma blends fiction with reality. It’s not just a social message film—it also provides a practical solution. The film is thought-provoking and aims to raise awareness. I never imagined I’d have to both act and produce the film, but circumstances led me there.”
Budget Challenges in Production
“Yes, the budget exceeded what we initially planned. We brought on board top technicians like Raj Thota and Radhan, and even cast senior artists. As the project progressed, the budget kept increasing, but we were committed to quality.”
Acting vs Producing – Which Is Tougher?
“Acting is definitely easier. Producing a film is much tougher. Sometimes, you don’t even realize where the money is going. It’s painful to see your hard-earned savings being spent so quickly. We ended up investing much more than our original budget for this film.”
About the ‘Dear Uma’ Team
“Sai Rajesh and I have known each other for a while. When I shared the idea of Dear Uma with him, he loved it. That’s how the project took off. Radhan’s music is the soul of our film, and Raj Thota’s visuals will mesmerize audiences.”
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